hieroglyphics
Use Hieroglyphics in a sentence
ər adjective
1.
Also, hi·er·o·glyph·i·cal. designating or pertaining to a pictographic script, particularly that of the ancient Egyptians, in which many of the symbols are conventionalized, recognizable pictures of the things represented.
2.
inscribed with hieroglyphic symbols.
3.
hard to decipher; hard to read.
noun
4.
Also, hi·er·o·glyph. a hieroglyphic symbol.
5.
Usually, hieroglyphics. hieroglyphic writing.
6.
a figure or symbol with a hidden meaning.
7.
hieroglyphics, handwriting, figures, characters, code, etc., difficult to decipher: the confusing hieroglyphics of advanced mathematics.
00:10
Hieroglyphics
is always a great word to know.
So is ninnyhammer. Does it mean:
| a fool or simpleton; ninny. |
| a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc. |
Origin:
1575–85; < Late Latin hieroglyphicus < Greek hieroglyphikós pertaining to sacred writing. See hiero-, glyphic
1575–85; < Late Latin hieroglyphicus < Greek hieroglyphikós pertaining to sacred writing. See hiero-, glyphic
Related forms
hi·er·o·glyph·i·cal·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To hieroglyphics
Collins
World English Dictionary
hieroglyphic (ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪk) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —adj | |
| 1. | of or relating to a form of writing using picture symbols, esp as used in ancient Egypt |
| 2. | written with hieroglyphic symbols |
| 3. | difficult to read or decipher |
| —n | |
| 4. | a picture or symbol representing an object, concept, or sound |
| 5. | a symbol or picture that is difficult to read or decipher |
| [C16: from Late Latin hieroglyphicus, from Greek hierogluphikos, from | |
| hiero'glyphically | |
| —adv | |
| hieroglyphist | |
| —n | |
| hieroglyphics (ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪks) | |
| —n | |
| 1. | a form of writing, esp as used in ancient Egypt, in which pictures or symbols are used to represent objects, concepts, or sounds |
| 2. | difficult or undecipherable writing |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
hieroglyphic
1585, from L.L. hieroglyphicus, from Gk. hieroglyphikos, from hieros "sacred" + glyphe "carving," from glyphein "to carve." Plutarch began the custom of using the adj. (ta hieroglyphika) as a noun.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Cultural Dictionary
hieroglyphics [(heye-uhr-uh-glif-iks, heye-ruh-glif-iks)]A system of writing with pictures that represent words or sounds. The ancient Egyptians wrote with hieroglyphics. (See Rosetta stone.)
Note: Present-day writing that is hard to decipher or understand is sometimes jokingly called “hieroglyphics.”
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Example sentences
The mantel is topped by a triangular slab decorated with hieroglyphics, a scarab, winged figures.
They are learning to decipher the hieroglyphics of their ancestors -- a vast legacy left on stone, bark paper, and ceramic.
And unlike the picture symbols of ancient hieroglyphics, they do not usually resemble objects either.
He did not go to college, but learned Egyptian hieroglyphics and five languages as a teenager.
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